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Abdullah Alkraiji arrived in Niagara Falls from Saudi Arabia, by way of Florida, last week for a little sightseeing.
One of the views he chose for himself and his wife, Sumaia, and their 7-month old son Ibrahim: The Great American Balloon Experience.
"It's so beautiful," Alkraiji said after his 15 minutes over the falls. "You see all of it." You sure do.
Even from 400 feet up, you appreciate the power of the Horseshoe Falls (although it's partially obstructed by the trees of Goat Island).
From a certain angle, the American Falls seems no higher than the river below. Then the breeze shifts the 75-foot balloon, and you recapture perspective.
Down the river, the rapids become ripples and you're distracted by the parkway Robert Moses built as you wonder what he was thinking.
Complete your clockwise turn, taking in the terminally ill Nabisco plant, then the encompassing decay of Buffalo Avenue.
Then turn again, looking across the river. Lights, traffic, new construction.
The view from above provides a complete view of Niagara Falls -- the geographic wonder, as well as each of the neighboring cities.
On the Canadian side of the river, you see how to utilize such a spectacular attraction. On this side, you see what not to do.